This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at one of the three international schools here on the island. Korea International School Jeju, which opened in September 2011, now has over 400 students and 70 educators teaching an American curriculum.


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Jeju Island is home to three lively and competitive international schools. Its location is perfect for students in Asia who want to learn an overseas curriculum in English, all the while remaining nearby.

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International day and boarding school for girls, boys

Korea International School Jeju, or KIS, is a co-ed international day and boarding school with elementary, middle, and high school programs. Some 100 faculty members teach small classes of between 15 and 20 students.

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US curriculum with a focus on creativity, critical thinking

These educators, who hail from around the world, are certified by accredited teaching programs. Many have advanced degrees and they place a focus on creativity and critical thinking.

But apart from the strong academics, KIS has co-curricular activities like music and art programs, horseback riding, scuba diving, a debate club, and a Model UN.

Facilities include state-of-the-art computer and science labs, a swimming pool, and a 400-seat performing arts center, among others.

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First international school in Korea to accept Korean students

And unlike other international schools in South Korea, KIS was the first to accept students who have only a Korean passport, or who have not studied abroad.

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Todd Thacker

In addition to KIS Jeju is the UK’s North London Collegiate School and the Canadian girls school Branksome Hall Asia. Under construction is the American independent school St. Johnsbury Academy, which will open in 2017. All are part of the island’s Global Education City, a project which began in 2008.

Todd Thacker KCTV